How to Make Scented Candles for Decorating, Holiday Gifts and More

Homemade scented candles: where creativity meets illumination.

It’s almost fall, which means it’s generally the best time for candles and coffee. When the first cooler breeze hits, our minds turn to all things vanilla, spice and woodsy scents. And then shortly after, we get to the holidays, when we want to smell fir, cloves and spiced berry fragrances. Unfortunately, a candle craving can get expensive, with many larger candles coming in at almost $50 each.

Rather than trade your life’s savings for a nice-smelling apartment, you can do some scented candle making on your own. Here’s how to make scented candles and fill your home with the scents of the season so you can save some money and customize each candle to your liking.

Materials you’ll need for homemade scented candles

Here are the supplies to buy for your scented candle making, some of which you may already have on hand:

  • Candle wax of your choice:
    • Soy wax flakes
    • Paraffin wax
    • A blend of the two
  • Containers for each candle (mason jars, tins, etc.)
  • Candle wicks (available at most craft stores or online)
  • Wick trimmer or scissors
  • Stirring utensil (wooden spoon or stir stick)
  • Hot glue gun, superglue or glue dots
  • Fragrance oils or essential oils
  • Dye (optional for colored candles)
  • Candy thermometer
  • Pot or saucepan
  • Glass bowl or pitcher
  • Labels or decorations

Making your own DIY scented candles at home

Once you’ve gathered your supplies, it’s time to start candle-making! The process is pretty easy, but it can get messy — especially if it’s your first time making candles. Wear an apron or clothing you don’t mind ruining and avoid using the melted wax on carpet or other surfaces that could be harmed by the wax.

centering candle wick for DIY scented candles made with paraffin wax

1. Attach and center your wick

Start out by selecting your candle containers of choice, whether that be empty candle jars, mason jars or multipurpose jars. Make sure the container has been thoroughly washed and is completely dry. Place a dab of your glue of choice in the bottom center of the container and press the bottom of a wick into the glue. If you’re using a wider container, you have the option to do multiple wicks so that your candle will burn evenly instead of tunneling.

Cut a piece of masking tape that is long enough to fit across the top of your candle container. Using scissors, cut a hole in the middle of the tape, then pull the top of the wick through the hole. Secure the tape across the top of the candle container. You can also use a pencil to wrap the wick around and hold it up. This should keep the wick standing straight so it doesn’t fall into the wax at an odd angle and ruin the candle’s burn pattern.

melting soy wax mixture for diy candles

2. Melt the wax

Now it’s time to melt your wax for your homemade candles. Start by filling your pot or saucepan about halfway with water, then bring it to a boil by putting it over high heat on the stove. Put your wax into the glass bowl or pitcher, then put it over the boiling water. This will form a double boiler and ensure that your wax doesn’t get too hot or burn away.

The amount of wax you’ll use will really depend on how many candles you’re making — it’s easy to simply eyeball the amount you use and maybe add a little extra to ensure you have enough. The good news is that if you end up melting too much, the wax will harden and be reusable to melt again.

To ensure your candle wax is melted enough, put the candy thermometer in the wax as it heats and bring it to about 180 degrees Fahrenheit. Once it reaches that temperature, remove the wax from the heat.

Carefully pour in essential oils to create a signature scent for soy candles.

3. Add fragrance

Let the wax cool down to about 140 degrees Fahrenheit. This can vary on timing, so you can leave it alone and check back every few minutes. Once it’s reached 140 degrees Fahrenheit, you can add your fragrance of choice.

The general rule is to add one ounce of fragrance oil for every pound of wax you melt. However, you’re welcome to add less than that if you like weaker scents or more than that if you want a stronger-scented candle.

If using essential oils, you may need to add even more than that since they are typically a little weaker. Feel free to get creative and mix different essential oils to develop your own unique scent. Crafting your favorite scents is easy with these combinations.

pouring wax into candle

4. Pour the wax and add decorations

You’re one step closer to your finished candle! Now, once you’ve added your fragrance, you’ll simply pour the wax into the containers you prepared beforehand. Pour it out slowly, or else it can create air bubbles in the new containers and make the top of the candle look bumpy.

For those who want to make their candle personalized, add a name for your candle with a label, or sprinkle in some dried flowers, glitter or even sprinkles for a fun decorative touch. Do this before the candle dries so it stays intact and doesn’t fall out.

trimming wick

5. Let it cool, trim your wick and enjoy!

Once you pour your scented candle, make sure to let it cool before you light it! Leave it for at least 24 hours to ensure it cools and sets completely. Then, trim your wick, light your candle and enjoy the soft scent as it fills your apartment.

Is making scented candles profitable?

Consider crafting more than one candle either for your own apartment or as gifts or you can also sell them! Because the wax and fragrance oils are relatively affordable, as long as you sell your candles for more than the cost of materials and factor in how much time you spend making the candles, you can sell your scented candles for a nice profit.

Must-read candle safety tips

  • Ensure you trim the wick each time before lighting your homemade candle — you’ll want it about one-fourth of an inch above the wax. If the wick is too long, it can create a large flame and the wick will get too hot and start to spark and pop.
  • Never leave your lit homemade candle unattended. It’s best if you can see the candle while it burns just in case the flame gets too big, it tips over or it catches on something nearby, like curtains.
  • When burning your homemade candles, be as safe as possible to avoid catching anything on fire or burning yourself.

several candles

Homemade scented candles made easy

Making scented candles is an easy and fun way to make your own personalized scents. While it may seem easier to buy a premade candle, seeing the fruits of your labor makes crafting a homemade scented candle a worthwhile endeavor. Start making your own candles for your apartment and invent your own delightful scents!

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